Mr Sawyers is concerned that if a second trained registered nurse is not employed in the unit, it could impact on him and other patients who are undergoing treatment for chemotherapy.
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That is why he fully supports the Cowra and District Action Group’s push for the second nurse.
“It is really important we have two oncology nurses. We can’t expect just one nurse to be at the hospital 24/7,” he said.
“It is such an important job”.
Being able to have treatment at Cowra is a huge relief for Mr Sawyers who has to have both chemotherapy and dialysis.
He initially had treatment at Orange Hospital until he was told he was able to get the same treatment at Cowra. “A couple of months ago, I had to have treatment at Orange three times a week, sometimes four. It was four to five hours for each treatment. “I live near Wyangala Dam. It was two hours there, two hours back [making it] an eight hour day [and] you’re not a well person.
“I’ve got a lot better now I am able to have dialysis at home and have been able to eliminate the trip to Orange.” His sentiments are shared by his wife Lynne, who was named as Australia’s Local Hero in January for her work as a foster carer.
“I think there should be two oncology trained nurses,” she said.
“I feel there should be more assistance in the Oncology unit. The pressure that is on the one nurse just shouldn’t be there.”
For Lynne, the benefits of an Oncology unit at Cowra Hospital to her husband and other patients make it worthwhile for there to be a second nurse.
“It makes a person get better quicker. There is no travel, no stress,” she said.
“[Cowra Hospital’s Oncology unit] is like a home away from home.”
